New findings from an investigation into a two-person fatal accident in Colorado indicate that the driver who was responsible for driving in the wrong direction on Highway 285 was under the influence. Officials stated the individual had consumed marijuana and alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel during the early morning hours of July 21.
Michael and Debbie Carman, well-known for running the Abide Ride food truck in Conifer, were on their way to collect supplies when they were involved in a collision around 5:20 in the morning on Highway 285 near Highway 8. The Colorado State Patrol reports that the couple died after their vehicle was struck by an Acura driven by a 33-year-old man.Michael Colson of Wheat Ridge.
A truck was also involved in the accident. The driver suffered slight injuries.
An arrest warrant obtained by CBS Colorado reveals that Colson told a Colorado State Patrol officer who interviewed him at St. Anthony Hospital following the accident that he had consumed alcohol before and during a flight from Arizona to Denver prior to the crash. Colson mentioned he was returning from a visit with an uncle. The document states that Colson approached the officer by asking, "I didn't kill anyone, did I?"
Michael Carman was declared deceased upon arriving at Swedish Hospital. Debbie Carman passed away two days afterward.
The statement claims that Colson informed the officer that he had used marijuana upon returning home. "I took a puff, lit a joint. I only took about two puffs, because I knew I had to go," he is said to have mentioned. He couldn't recall when he left his house, but mentioned he chose to return to Arizona to see his uncle, explaining to the officer that God had told him his uncle needed salvation, and he was attempting to help him.
Eyewitnesses reported to investigators that the vehicle moving south was actually in the northbound lanes of Highway 285, having entered the highway at South Simms Street. The red Acura drove approximately three miles, with several cars swerving to avoid it, until it crashed into the Carmans' Cadillac sedan.
Colson allegedly informed the officer that he was "speeding rapidly." The officer reportedly spoke with Colson's father, who mentioned that Colson had told him he was "driving like a race car driver." The document states that Colson told the officer he was going, "As fast as I could possibly go, 60 to 80."
His father informed the state patrol that his son is on the autism spectrum, but that his mental health had worsened recently. Colson's father mentioned that he was aware his son had used mushrooms before, and his son's girlfriend believed Colson was using drugs.
Colson mentioned to the officer during their conversation that he had "too addictive a personality" to use any drugs besides marijuana. A blood sample was collected at the hospital for analysis, but the state patrol indicated that because of delays at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, it could take several weeks before the results are available.
Colson is being charged with two instances of vehicular homicide, one offense of driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, along with allegations of reckless endangerment and reckless driving, as well as operating a vehicle on the wrong side of a divided roadway.
He is still held at the Jefferson County Jail with a $100,000 cash bond. His next planned court appearance is set for September 9.